November 17, 2010

Mumbai: S Ramadorai, vice chairman, Tata Consultancy Services, was recognised with the Corporate Citizen Award by the Vijay Amritraj Foundation (VAF) in Beverly Hills recently. This award is an annual recognition of people from the corporate world who are actively involved in the field of corporate social responsibility.

“I’m delighted to receive this award from VAF and am humbled by this recognition. The Tata group is a living example, perhaps the only such business conglomerate which places 65 per cent of its shares in the hands of Tata trusts. Tata Consultancy Services, the company that I have been with for 38 years of my life, has leveraged its expertise in IT and software services to create new tools that enhance reach and efficiency of those that do charitable work, ” said Mr Ramadorai.

In the past, VAF has recognised Sir Ben Kingsley, Sir Sidney Poitier, and former presidents of the United States — George HW Bush and Bill Clinton.

The event, which took place in Los Angeles, California, on October 30, 2010, also featured Mathew Perry, the star of the hit TV show Friends and legendary tennis icon Jimmy Connors. The event opened with actor David Hasselhoff, star of Baywatch, singing the US national anthem and 16-year-old Payal Chakroborty singing the Indian national anthem. This was followed by a 90-minute Beach Boys concert.

VAF brings hope, help and healing to the defenceless and innocent victims of disease, tragedy and circumstance in India. VAF supports 16 different charities in India promoting education, village development, cornea treatment and rescue of young girls from prostitution, amongst other causes.